Arthurs Pass, NZTo protect our native mountain parrot, Dulux New Zealand has today committed $150,000 directly towards a programme supporting the conservation of endangered kea, as part of the company’s Protecting Our Place partnership with the Department of Conservation.

Over the next three years, Dulux will work closely with the Kea Conservation Trust to help fund their kea nest monitoring programme, to ensure this iconic creature will be protected for years to come.

The kea nest monitoring programme started in association with DOC in 2009 in the Nelson Lakes area. Thanks to the partnership with Dulux New Zealand, the programme will now be able to be extended to further sites where kea live such as Otira and the Kaikoura mountains as well as continued in the Hawdon valley, Borland in Fiordland, Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes.

Kea Conservation Trust’s Chair Tamsin Orr-Walker, says the programme, which uses motion sensor cameras on nests, is a vital tool for managing the bird’s survival.

"Monitoring nesting kea is critical to identify the level of risk from predators to females and chicks and whether kea are breeding successfully. This information allows us to target pest control around active nests to minimise the threat of stoats and possums and to assess how key kea populations are doing." "It is collaborative efforts with organisations like DOC and Dulux New Zealand that help make the Trust’s goals achievable," says Tamsin.

It is estimated that there are around 1000-5000 kea in the wild. The population is declining because of nest attacks from introduced predators like possums and stoats, and also through human impact.

Director-General of Conservation Lou Sanson says: "Kea are an iconic New Zealand species, in many ways they are the character of the Southern Alps! The nest monitoring programme is critical to managing their survival in the wild."

"I’m excited about this partnership with Dulux and the opportunities we’ll have to learn more about kea and ensure these birds continue to charm and entertain visitors in their alpine habitats."

Julia Myers, General Manager of Dulux New Zealand says the company is proud to be working with DOC and Kea Conservation Trust.

"With their distinctive green and orange feathers and cheeky habits, the kea has long added a dash of colour to New Zealand’s wilderness. By supporting programmes to protect our wildlife and backcountry shelters, we believe we’re helping to ensure that our future generations can experience the unique sights and sounds of New Zealand," says Julia.

The Protecting Our Place partnership, launched February 2013, involves Dulux working with DOC to paint and protect its network of huts and lodges, to the value of NZ $1.5 million.